Meeting Preparation & Representation
Angel's Educational Advocacy will attend any education-related meetings where her attendance is in the best interest of your child. Determination of whether your child qualifies for special education services can be complicated, and that is just the beginning of your journey with the school system when your child has a disability. Following an eligibility determination, how do you ensure that all appropriate services are being considered and provided? Can you establish a rapport with the decision-makers? Are they examining your child's record thoroughly? Is the school complying with federal and state laws and regulations? Angel will help to provide answers to these and other critical questions ahead of time. You can walk into your child's meeting with an ally, confident that you are prepared. This way we can better set each student up for success.
Direct Advocacy
The experience in Direct Advocacy at Angel's Educational Advocacy can help begin collaborative preparation for, and attendance at, parental meetings with schools and administration. Most parents experience a great sense of relief to have a professional on their side of the table during these important (and, in many cases, emotional) meetings. For most, the opportunity to let us take the reins within IEP, 504, and other important conversations allows parents to focus on their child, and specifically, his or her needs, at these complex meetings.
Parental Consulting
Through parental consulting, we offer guidance in preparation for meetings with teachers, staff, and district administration. Working together, we will develop a strategic plan for you to interact directly with your child's school based on the powerful combination of parental understanding of what your child needs and the experience and skills of an educational advocate. We work together in developing a well-thought-out plan to advocate for what will be in your child’s best interest.
Mediation, Due Process, and Complaints
When conflicts between parents and schools cannot be resolved through informal channels, mediation, due process complaints, resolution sessions, due process hearings, manifestation determination reviews, and state complaints are specific procedural protections provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide separate procedural protections, and complaints under these statutes can be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. We evaluate every situation judiciously and recommend whether more formal steps should be taken on a case-by-case basis.
School Record and Evaluation Review
Diligence is a hallmark of our advocacy practice. IEPs and 504 Plans are informed by many different kinds of records, evaluations, and observations. All relevant records and evaluations will be reviewed thoroughly. Progress reports, report cards, behavior reports, special education evaluations, and private neuropsychological or other private evaluations related to your child's disability, as well as the current and prior IEPs and 504 plans that are informed by them, will be examined for consistency and inconsistency, progress and lack of progress.
Aids, Services, and Support
There is a myriad of accommodations that the school system can provide your child. "Supplementary aids and services" are aids, services and supports that are provided in regular education classes that enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate. "Related services" are services that are necessary for a child with a disability to benefit from special education. Your child's needs are unique, and the aids, services and supports most appropriate are as unique as your child. We take a collaborative approach to advocacy and will work with any provider with knowledge of your child's needs, whether the school system or a private evaluator, to advocate for the most appropriate services for your child.
Placement and Least Restrictive Environment
Special education is provided in a variety of settings. Schools must educate children with disabilities with children who are not disabled "to the maximum extent appropriate." Proper classroom placement in the least restrictive environment is often essential to allowing your child to thrive intellectually, socially and emotionally. Knowledge of your child's strengths and needs inform placement. We help the school to consider the total picture of your child before making any placement decisions.
IEP and 504 Plan Review
Individualized Educational Plans, or IEPs, and Section 504 Plans are both useful tools that can provide children with necessary services and accommodations in school. While there are similarities in these plans, there are also many differences. IEPs and 504 Plans arise out of two different federal laws. They have different purposes, different eligibility considerations, and different procedural safeguards. An evaluation will determine which plan is more appropriate for your child. When your child's IEP or 504 Plan needs to be improved or modified, we work with you and your child's school to tailor it to your child's unique needs.
Schedule Your Free Consultation!
The step towards obtaining educational parity for your child begins with a 20-minute complimentary telephonic initial consultation. During this call, an advocate will listen to you so that she can understand the issues that you and your child are facing. Initial consultations are provided to families considering hiring an educational advocate. Specific advice narrowly tailored to your child's needs will be provided upon engagement of services. Communications available in English or Spanish (Español)
Contact us today to schedule a meeting to benefit your child.
Contact us today to schedule a meeting to benefit your child.